Amos 7:1

This is what the Lord GOD showed me: He was preparing swarms of locusts just after the king's harvest, as the late spring crop was coming up.

Study Bible

This is what the Lord GOD showed me:
This phrase introduces a vision given to the prophet Amos by God. Visions were a common way God communicated with His prophets, providing them with divine insight into His plans and purposes. Amos, a shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa, was called by God to prophesy to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This vision underscores the authority and divine origin of the message Amos is about to deliver.

He was preparing swarms of locusts:
Locusts are often used in the Bible as instruments of divine judgment. In the ancient Near East, locust plagues were feared for their ability to devastate crops and cause famine. The preparation of locusts signifies an impending judgment from God due to Israel's persistent sin and rebellion. This imagery is reminiscent of the plagues in Egypt (Exodus 10:12-15) and serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience.

just after the king’s harvest:
The timing of the locust swarm is significant. The "king's harvest" likely refers to the first cutting of crops, which was often reserved for the king as a form of tax or tribute. This indicates that the locusts would come after the initial harvest, targeting the remaining crops that the people depended on for sustenance. This highlights the severity of the judgment, as it would lead to economic hardship and food scarcity.

as the late spring crop was coming up:
The late spring crop, or the "second growth," was crucial for the survival of the people, as it provided food for the coming months. The destruction of this crop by locusts would have dire consequences, leading to famine and suffering. This timing emphasizes the thoroughness of God's judgment, leaving no room for recovery or hope apart from repentance. The imagery of locusts consuming the late crop also connects to Joel 1:4, where a similar judgment is described, reinforcing the theme of divine retribution for sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and divine authority who reveals the vision to Amos. In Hebrew, "Adonai Yahweh" emphasizes God's lordship and covenant relationship with Israel.

2. Amos
A prophet from Tekoa, called by God to deliver messages of judgment and repentance to Israel. His role is to communicate God's visions and warnings.

3. Swarms of Locusts
Symbolic of impending judgment and devastation. In the agrarian society of Israel, locusts represented a severe threat to survival and prosperity.

4. The King’s Harvest
Refers to the initial harvest, likely reserved for the king's use, indicating the severity of the locust plague as it affects even the royal provisions.

5. Late Spring Crop
Represents the subsequent harvest, crucial for the sustenance of the people, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the impending disaster.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is in control of nature and uses it to fulfill His purposes. Recognize His authority and respond with humility and repentance.

The Role of the Prophet
Prophets are called to deliver God's message, even when it is difficult. We are also called to speak truth in love, guided by the Holy Spirit.

The Urgency of Repentance
The vision of locusts serves as a warning. We must examine our lives and turn from sin before judgment comes.

Dependence on God for Provision
The threat to the harvest reminds us of our reliance on God for our daily needs. Trust in His provision and seek His kingdom first.

The Impact of Sin on Community
The locust plague affects the entire nation, illustrating how sin and disobedience can have widespread consequences. Strive for personal holiness and communal accountability.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the vision of locusts in Amos 7:1 reflect God's sovereignty and power over creation?

2. In what ways can we, like Amos, be faithful in delivering God's message to those around us?

3. How does the imagery of locusts in Amos 7:1 compare to other biblical accounts of locust plagues, and what lessons can we learn from these parallels?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are living in a state of repentance and readiness for God's judgment?

5. How can we cultivate a deeper dependence on God for our daily needs, as illustrated by the threat to the harvest in Amos 7:1?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joel 1:4
This passage also describes a locust plague, emphasizing the theme of divine judgment and the need for repentance.

Exodus 10:12-15
The plague of locusts in Egypt serves as a historical precedent, illustrating God's power to use natural phenomena as instruments of judgment.

Revelation 9:3-4
Locusts are used symbolically in the end times, connecting the theme of divine judgment across both Testaments.